Comms Dealer

The CWU's Deputy General Secretary (telecoms) Andy Kerr has stormed into the Openreach-BT separation debate urging Ofcom not to split up the BT Group, backing his argument with a 10-point plan for 'union' that rebuts a joint call for separation by a coalition of comms industry leaders.

Kerr has threatened to take political and industrial action if Ofcom does not comply with the CWU's demands.  

The coalition comprises Jeremy Darroch, Group CEO, Sky; Dido Harding, CEO, TalkTalk; Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO, Vodafone UK; Malcolm Corbett, CEO, Independent Networks Cooperative Association; and FCS CEO Chris Pateman.

In May they presented an open letter to Ofcom CEO Sharon White outlining a 10-point plan urging the regulator to recommend the splitting up of BT, claiming that separation was 'crucial to the improved digital connectivity Britain needs'.

But according to Kerr any break up of BT would 'restrict broadband coverage and undermine quality of service improvements'.

"There is no evidence to suggest that Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone UK, and indeed any other telecoms provider will commit anywhere near the required levels of investment to deliver a world class network right across the country," he stated.

Kerr pointed out that the CWU is prepared to 'push the button' on a national campaign, both politically and industrially, to stop the break-up of BT if Ofcom makes such a recommendation.

"Although Mr Kerr runs a trade union he appears to be well informed about BT's investment strategy and a cats-paw in support of BT's corporate aims," said Pateman.

"We believe it's vital that the people who decide what 'good' looks like should be Openreach's customers.

"We are throwing down a challenge, underpinned by sound research and experience. A challenge to Ofcom, Openreach and the industry to work together to shape the future for the good of all market players and all customers."

An independent eLearning programme introduced by the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) reflects a lack of cloud computing knowhow in the market and aims to plug that skills gap.

The online courses form part of CIF's membership scheme and is based on its recommended Cloud Adoption Roadmap.

Alex Hilton CEO, CIF, stated: "Every business is different and as a result the journey to the cloud is unique in every case. However, a common framework is relevant to almost all cloud adoption projects.

"As a result, CIF has created a cloud adoption guide to help customers through their journey and provide guidance and skills for those embarking on cloud adoption projects.

"Given that online learning courses are regarded as one of the most popular and engaging methods of training and learning, we have commissioned a wholly independent development series of eLearning modules that focus on the complete cloud adoption journey.

"The eLearning programme is aimed at those who work in IT operations, management and executives, as well as line of business personnel such as legal and procurement and members of the board."

The programme has five key stages and 21 modules.

Polycom has received a revised non-binding proposal from a private equity sponsor that was previously described as 'Sponsor 1'. Under the terms of Sponsor 1's revised proposal it would acquire 100% of the outstanding common stock of Polycom for an all-cash offer of $12.25 per share in a take-private transaction.

Sponsor 1 indicated that the revised proposal would be funded, in part, with $650m of equity financing and $950m of debt financing. The revised proposal included a letter from a potential lender indicating that, subject to a number of conditions and contingencies, the potential lender was highly confident it could arrange the debt financing.

Polycom continues to engage in discussions with Sponsor 1 with respect to the revised proposal. Polycom's board of directors, in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, will consider the outcome of its discussions or negotiations with Sponsor 1 to determine the course of action that is in the best interest of Polycom and its stockholders, it said in a statement.

In response, Mitel said in a statement, 'Polycom shareholders specifically will own approximately 60% of a $2.4bn, highly profitable, low leverage, strong cash flow company with the scale and portfolio breadth to compete. The deal also offers certainty of committed financing in an uncertain and volatile debt market, and attractive synergy value. Mitel's acquisition of Polycom continues to be the best path forward and best strategic choice to create shareholder value, driven by attractive financial and operational scale'.

The two companies continue to work together with the expectation that the transaction will close this summer in the third quarter.

Entatech UK has condensed its divisions from nine to four and launched a series of multi-touch promo campaigns.

The product categories are now PC Components & Gaming, Systems & Peripherals, Networking & Connected Home, and Retail & Software.

"My vision with Entatech is to sharpen the focus and only compete in areas where we have a significant and demonstrable competence in the eyes of the customer," stated Dave Stevinson, Managing Director.

"I believe what we don't do is currently more important than what we are doing, and that will involve some very tough decisions."

The campaigns will include digital marketing on Entatech's newly developed e-commerce website, Entaonline.com, updates on Entatech's social media platforms and webinars hosted by Entatech Product Managers and key vendors.

Microsoft is to acquire professional social networking platform LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2bn, inclusive of LinkedIn's net cash.

Following the acquisition, which is thought to be one of the the biggest tech deals ever, LinkedIn will retain its brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

Reid Hoffman, Chairman of the board, co-founder and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn, and Weiner both fully support this transaction.

LinkedIn has witnessed 19% growth year-over-year to more than 433 million members worldwide with over 105 million unique visiting members per month.

"The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world's professionals," said Nadella.

"Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organisation on the planet."

Weiner added: "Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of its cloud and LinkedIn's network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works. 

"For the last 13 years we've been positioned to connect professionals to make them more productive and successful, and I'm looking forward to leading our team through the next chapter of our story."

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both LinkedIn and Microsoft.

The deal is expected to close this calendar year.

Vodafone estimates that the loss in potential revenue to a UK small business caused by not having access to their mobile phones for even one day could be as much as £12k.

The operator commissioned research to assess the extent of this problem prior to launching Vodafone Rapid, a new service that promises to get replacement phones into the hands of small businesses anywhere in the UK within four hours of an approved insurance claim being made.

In a poll conducted by YouGov surveying more than 1,000 small businesses with up to nine employees, their senior decision makers estimate on average they would miss out on almost four new business opportunities in a working day when their work mobile is out of action.

Phil Mottram, Enterprise Director at Vodafone UK, said: "When the potential loss of new business opportunities equates to billions of pounds for small businesses country-wide, and more importantly could mean that a small business misses out on that vital call, it's business critical to get replacement phones into the hands of business owners as quickly as possible when they find their mobile is lost, stolen or damaged.

"This is where Vodafone Rapid comes in - getting the country's small business population back up and running with a replacement phone within just four hours."

TalkTalk Business has launched its new World SIP and International Numbers service, providing next-generation voice solutions to businesses that want to increase their international presence or simplify their use of calls between offices in different countries.

The new International Numbers service will allow UK companies to take either a freephone or local landline number of over 110 countries, diverting it to any existing fixed line or mobile number.

The offering will provide a cost-efficient way for businesses to create an international reach by utilising the local numbers of a country.

With World SIP TalkTalk Business has launched additional features such as a full range of in-country numbers and local breakout, whereby businesses with offices in multiple markets can take advantage of free international calls between offices, as well as international local break out charged at local rates.

World SIP also provides international businesses with simplicity, with one international tariff for all countries, billed in one single currency.

International Numbers and World SIP are launched to the TalkTalk Business' partner network today, with International Numbers launching to direct customers later this month.

Alexandra Tempest, Head of Partner at TalkTalk Business, stated: "International business is becoming ever more important, and these days it's not just big businesses but also smaller and medium sized business which are scaling up globally.

"We want British businesses to benefit from a cost-efficient and reliable way to make and receive calls, whether they're aspiring to do more business overseas or seeking to provide better customer service to their existing customer or client base."

Tech Data UK is providing more than 4,000 of its customers with additional credit totalling in excess of £150m to help them drive sales growth.

The company is also providing extended payment terms to resellers targeting the education sector with audiovisual solutions, so they can take full advantage of opportunities that will emerge as schools upgrade their classrooms and infrastructure during the summer holidays.

The extra credit has been applied to the accounts of frequent customers automatically, giving them the flexibility to do more business and drive growth with both existing and new customers.

The additional credit lines will also ensure that resellers who are focused on the education market, which is now entering its peak summer buying phase, are able to make the most of their opportunities.

The extended invoice payment terms are designed to help education-focused partners, and in particular those selling audiovisual equipment, such as large format interactive displays, digital signage and collaboration solutions, to manage the longer payment cycles that are typical in the public sector.

During June and July, where 50 percent or more of verified orders from education are made up of products sold by Maverick, Tech Data's specialist audiovisual business, payment terms can be extended to September on application.

Andy Gass, MD Tech Data UK and Ireland,stated: "The extended payment terms will give public sector-focused resellers the chance to maximise their potential in the peak buying period for education over the summer."

Sennheiser Group's annual results for fiscal year 2015 show a turnover increase of 7.5% to a record 682.2m euros.

The company's turnover developed significantly across all global regions, particularly in the Americas and APAC. Profit before taxes in 2015 amounted to 30.3m euros.

All three of the Sennheiser Group's business regions showed successful turnover figures.

According to Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, co-CEO, this is the direct result of a well balanced strategy. "We tapped into new regions and markets, such as Korea and Latin America, while still retaining our focus on existing, large markets," he stated.

Growth was particularly robust in the Americas region (North, Central and South America), where the group generated turnover of 179.8m euros, which represents a 26.8m euros, or 17.5% increase on the previous year.

With turnover growth of 14.6m euros, an increase of 11% compared to fiscal year 2014, the APAC region (Asia and Australia) also saw a marked improvement. Overall, the Sennheiser Group reported turnover of 147.2m euros in this region.

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) remains Sennheiser's strongest region economically, with a total revenue of 355.2m euros and modest growth of 1.7%.

Germany again saw double digit revenue growth. "We are particularly pleased that we were once again able to significantly expand our already strong position in our domestic market," co-CEO Daniel Sennheiser stated.

The company generated 84.5% of its revenue outside Germany in fiscal year 2015.

The Sennheiser Group currently has 19 sales subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners in more than 50 countries around the world, and will continue to pursue its strategic goal of expanding its global business in the future.

Both the Consumer Electronics Division and Professional Systems Division registered growth in 2015. Turnover improved by 10.9% to 347m euros in the Professional Systems Division and the Consumer Electronics Division registered a 4.1% increase to 335.2m euros.

Investments in research and development increased by 8.5% to 46.9m euros in fiscal year 2015.

Andreas Sennheiser added: "The audio sector is on the verge of experiencing a renaissance. For customers, new formats and new ways of producing and consuming music continue to emerge - technologies that we have been researching for many years already."

A key element of the research activities at Sennheiser is the further development of AMBEO. The 3D immersive audio technology programme offers a spatial sound experience.

"We are currently developing products in four core areas - recording, mixing, processing and reproduction," added says Daniel Sennheiser.

"Our virtual-reality microphone will be the first official AMBEO product. As soon as it is ready for mass production this year, it will have a considerable impact on the future of virtual-reality content."

IT infrastructure services provider Onyx has been pocketed by Pulsant.

The acquisition will add to Pulsant's capabilities as a provider of hybrid IT services - most notably in the areas of applications management, remote and on-site managed services, workplace recovery and security - and expand its reach in the UK to deliver more options for resiliency and a stronger portfolio of solutions to customers.

Backed by mid-market private equity firm Livingbridge, Onyx has five data centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield and Newcastle, and other business continuity centres and offices around the UK.

The company's staff, technology platforms and infrastructure will be integrated with Pulsant's over the coming months.

The combined business will have almost 400 staff, revenues of £75m and over 4,000 customers in a variety of industries.

Its operations are underpinned by a network of 15 owned and operated data centres across in the UK, and private, multi-tenanted and public cloud platforms.

"Bringing Onyx and its capabilities into Pulsant is the latest step in our targeted acquisition strategy," stated Pulsant CEO Mark Howling.

"The acquisition increases the scale of our business and the breadth of services we can offer, which is crucial as multi-cloud environments become more complex and more important."

Neil Stephenson, Onyx CEO, added: "We have known Pulsant for many years and always felt that combining Onyx and Pulsant would provide a strong UK-wide player.

"Both businesses have complementary capabilities and locations, and this acquisition enables the enlarged business to offer a stronger, broader range of services to our joint customers.

"The cultures of our two organisations are also similar, which was a big factor in selecting Pulsant as the acquirer."

This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the development of Pulsant, and is its first major acquisition since Oak Hill and Scottish Equity Partners became Pulsant's major shareholders in July 2014.

As the business moves into its next stage of development, the company has also announced that it has appointed Mike Tobin, OBE, as Chairman.

Tobin was previously CEO at Telecity for 13 years, overseeing its growth from a market cap of £6m to £1.6bn, and floating it on the London Stock Exchange in 2007.

Howling added: "Mike has a broad understanding of the data centre and cloud markets and experience of growing businesses in the UK and overseas.

"Becoming Chairman is a significant signal of Pulsant's quality and ambitions."

Pieter Knook, Pulsant's existing Chairman, will continue to serve on the board as Deputy Chairman.